If she runs for a higher position in 2013, Eddiegul to back Gwen

CEBU, Philippines - First district Rep. Eduardo Gullas yesterday proposed to Governor Gwen Garcia that if she’d run for a higher position in the 2013 elections, he would support her.

Both Gullas and Garcia were guest speakers in yesterday’s celebration of Talisay City’s 11th Charter Day.

Gullas, in his speech, said he would support Garcia, who is now serving her third and last term as governor of Cebu, if she will run for a national post next year as rumored.

The veteran lawmaker said that if it happens, he will campaign for her in the whole Central Visayas.

For her part, Garcia said she was touched by the congressman’s offer.

“I am so humbled by the words of such a statesman, servant leader as Congressman Eddiegul. Natandog kaayo ang akong kasing-kasing sa iyang gisulti,” Garcia said.

“Sama usab sa gisulti ni VP (Jejomar) Binay, kining mga pulonga magdala gyud og dakung gibug-aton sa ako unyang puhon nga desisyon asa gyud ta padulong,” she added.

The governor, however, admitted she has not decided yet as to what position she’ll be running for in 2013, as she is still observing the situation.

Gullas, in his speech, urged city officials to evaluate the situation of informal dwellers that live along the Mananga River are in.

Gullas’ advice came after some city officials themselves expressed fears that a similar catastrophe that hit Cagayan De Oro City could happen in Talisay.

The lawmaker said since the city has several relocation sites for its landless families, it might as well transfer these residents before another Sendong-like typhoon wrecks their houses.

Earlier, Councilors Rodi Cabigas and Danny Caballero appealed to the city government to hasten the transfer of these families before any untoward incident happens.

And while he sees a need to immediately relocate these families, Gullas has assured the apprehensive vendors of Lagtang Public Market not to worry as the entire building can withstand anything, even floods.

The market is standing right next to the Mananga River in Lagtang, but Gullas said the riprap structures were built to protect the entire facility. Apart from that, the Lagtang market is also at least 10 meters high from the river, he said.

Meanwhile, as one of the highlights of the Charter Day celebration, the city awarded barangay Bulacao for being the “Most Child Friendly Barangay.”

Barangays Pooc and Lawaan III were second and third runners-up in the same category. - THE FREEMAN